Lamichhane realises IPL dream

new delhi — Sandeep Lamichhane spent 11 matches warming the Delhi Daredevils bench in this season’s Indian Premier League (IPL) and the spin bowler’s patience was finally rewarded when the Nepalese teenager made an impressive tournament debut on Saturday.

The 17-year-old became the first player from his nation to land an IPL deal in January but it seemed like an endless wait for the tiny Himalayan nation to see one of their own play in Twenty20 cricket’s most glamorous league across the border.

When his chance finally arrived at Feroz Shah Kotla, the legspinner gave a good account of himself by returning figures of 4-0-25-1 against Royal Challengers Bangalore, who went on to win the match. “Obviously (performance) doesn’t matter if your team is not winning. I’m still happy and looking forward to giving my best again,” Lamichhane told reporters afterwards.

Lamichhane admitted he had been flooded with messages of support after appearing in the IPL two months after Nepal secured their One-Day International status. “I’ve got lots of messages from fans all over the world. They were like waiting to see me on the ground, to have a match. Fortunately I got this opportunity today,” the spinner said.

“It was fantastic. I have been training hard with (head coach) Ricky Ponting. He has been an exceptional coach. I’ve learned many things from him. I’m really enjoying this moment.” The spin prodigy made his national team debut at 16 and was Nepal’s highest wicket-taker at the 2016 Under-19 World Cup. —